The skunk, a member of the weasel family, is represented by four species in North America. The skunk has short, stocky legs and large feet equipped with claws that enable it to be very adept at digging. Striped skunks are the most abundant of the four species. They are characterized by jet black fur with prominent lateral white stripes that run down their backs. The body of the striped skunk is about the size of an ordinary house cat. Skunks should not be needlessly destroyed. They are highly beneficial to farmers, gardeners, and landowners because they feed on large numbers of agricultural and garden pests. Skunks occasionally feed on ground-nesting birds, but their impact is usually minimal due to the large abundance of alternative foods. The occasional problems caused by the presence of skunks are generally out-weighed by their beneficial habits. Unless skunks become a nuisance, they should be left alone.
Habitat - Skunks inhabit clearings, pastures, and open lands bordering forests. They establish dens in hollow logs or hollow limbs in trees.
Diet - Skunks eat both plant and animal foods. During spring and summer they prefer insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets. In the winter, they often eat field and house mice. Rats, cottontail rabbits, and other small mammals are taken when other food is scarce.
Reproduction - Adult skunks begin breeding in late February. Gestation usually lasts 7 to 10 weeks. Litters are born between May and June. There is usually only 1 litter annually, with an average of 4 to 6 young. Both sexes mature by the following spring. The age potential for a skunk is about 10 years, but few live beyond 3 years in the wild.
Behavior - They are nocturnal, rather
slow-moving and deliberate, and have great confidence in defending them-selves
against other animals. Skunks are mild-tempered animals that will not defend
themselves unless they are cornered or harmed. Skunks have the ability to
dis-charge nauseating musk from the anal glands and are capable of several
dis-charges, not just one. They usually pro-vide a warning before discharging
their scent, stamping their forefeet rapidly and arching their tails over
their backs. Avoid loud noises and quick, aggressive actions if a skunk
is encountered.
Skunks are the primary carriers of rabies in the Midwest. Report any abnormal
behavior, such as daytime activity or aggressive behavior, to the proper
animal control authorities. The normal home range of the skunk is 1/2 to
2 miles in diameter. During the breeding season, a male may travel 4 to
5 miles each night. Skunks are dormant for about a month during the coldest
part of winter. They may den together in winter for warmth, but generally
are not sociable.
Skunks may burrow under porches, crawl spaces or
buildings by entering foundation openings. Skunks may feed on garbage or
refuse, bees in beehives and corn, eating only the lower ears. (If the cornstalk
is knocked over, however, raccoons are more likely the cause of damage).
Skunks dig holes in lawns, golf courses, and gardens to search for grubs
in the soil. Digging normally appears as small 3 to 4 inch cone-shaped holes
or patches of upturned earth. Skunks occasionally kill poultry and eat eggs,
but do not normally climb fences (like raccoons) to get to poultry. Tracks
and droppings may help identify the animal causing damage. Both the hind
and forefeet of skunks have five toes with claws. The hind feet tracks are
approximately 2 1/2 inches long. Skunk drop-pings are 1/4 to 1/2 inch in
diameter and 1 to 2 inches long and can often be identified by the undigested
parts they contain. Odor is not always a reliable indicator of the presence
or absence of skunks.
Exclusion - Exclusion is usually the best control method. Exclude the animals as soon as possible, since they often raise young in occupied areas.
1) Seal all possible entrances along the foundation, but leave the main burrow open.
2) Sprinkle a layer of flour 2 feet in circumference on the ground in front of the opening.
3) After dark, examine the flour for any tracks which indicate that the skunk has left to feed. If tracks are not present, reexamine in an hour.
4) After the den is empty, cover the remaining entrance immediately.
5) Reopen the entrance the next day for 1 hour after dark to allow any skunks to exit before permanently sealing the entrance.Other tips
· Use a wooden door suspended from wire to allow skunks to leave a burrow but not to re-enter.
· If skunks have entered a garage, cellar, or house, open the doors to allow the skunks to exit on their own.
· Remove skunks trapped in cellar window wells or similar pits by nailing cleats at 6-inch intervals to a board. Lower the board into the well and allow the skunk to crawl out on its own.
Habitat Modification -
Frightening -
Toxicants (Poisons) - No toxicants are registered for use in controlling skunks.
Fumigants (Gas)
- Two
types of gas cartridges are registered for fumigating skunk burrows. Follow
label directions and take care to avoid fire hazards when used near structures.
Live Trapping - If animals
are occupying dwellings, trapping may be undesirable, since they could leave
dependent young within the dwelling.Skunks can be caught in live (cage) traps
set near the entrance to their den. When several skunks are present, set several
traps to reduce capture time. To relocate the animal you need a nuisance wildlife
permit from the DNR.
Shooting - Shooting may be practical if damage is being caused by one or two individuals in rural areas or if a steel trap is used. A skunk may not spray if shot through the heart or middle of the back with a solid point .22 caliber long rifle bullet. Shooting in the back should be followed immediately by shooting in the head. Most people who shoot trapped skunks should expect a scent discharge. Consult with the DNR for any required permits.
Skunk odor removal - If the spray has entered the eyes, severe burning and an excessive tear flow may occur. Temporary blindness of 10 or 15 minutes may result. Rinse the eyes with water to speed recovery.
